Hugs for Hormone Balance

I would like to turn your attention to oxytocin, the love molecule, and how you can use hugs for hormone balance. This molecule is so so so important to every aspect of your mental and physical health!

In February, the focus on romantic love can be overwhelming. The pleasures and pitfalls of this kind of love are well known and well documented, and probably emblazoned on your heart as well!

Oxytocin is all about love – it’s a hormone produced in the brain, and is the key to feeling connected to your loved ones, your colleagues, the human race, and even to yourself!

And when you feel connected you are less stressed.

And less stress = happier hormones.

The good news is, it’s not that hard to get your brain to make more of this love molecule – the number one way to increase your levels, outside of sex, kissing, etc… is hugging!
 
So, your self-care mission – start with at least one 10 second hug a day.

And then follow this equation: According to Psychotherapist Virginia Satir, you need:

• 4 hugs a day for survival
• 8 hugs a day for maintenance
• 12 hugs a day for growth

So hug your kid, your partner, you dog, your cat, your colleagues, your best friend, your neighbor!

And if you are reading this thinking,  “I have no one to hug, I might as well be on a desert island with only a coconut tree to embrace” use your imagination:

Apparently imagining yourself being hugged by someone you would love to be hugged by, works just as well as the real thing. (I am conjuring up Captain Jack Sparrow as I type…:):):))

So, no excuses – start flooding yourself with the love hormone and reaping the benefits now!

Photo by Susn Matthiessen on Unsplash